Long considered the apotheosis of rustic kitsch, the log house actually has a rich architectural pedigree. Since the late 19th century, a surprising number of architects, along with their artisan-builder counterparts, have transformed the simple pioneer log cabin into a supremely crafted work of high art. Log Houses of the World is the first-ever chronological survey of the greatest examples of log houses designed in Europe and the United States. Included are photographs, plans, and little-known drawingsmost never before publishedfrom such celebrated Modern-era architects as Eliel Saarinen, Adolf Loos, Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra, and others. The result is both a remarkable tour of some superbly crafted homes, and an important vehicle for garnering for these houses the popular recognition, critical and otherwise, that they deserve.

Product Description

About the Author

Richard Olsen is a senior editor at Architectural Digest and a producer of books on domestic architectural subjects. He lives in Los Angeles.

The architectural photography of Radek Kurzaj has appeared in numerous international magazines and has been the basis of several books, including The Ranch House and The Abrams Guide to American House Styles. He divides his time between Poland and New York City.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)

Amazon.com:
10 reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

One of the Architects Chimes InOct. 25 2006

By
David Neiman
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Hardcover

I'm one of the architects whose work is published in this collection. At the risk of sounding preposterously self-serving, I wanted to chime in that I just received my copy of the book and I was very taken with it. It's a diverse collection of projects, nicely photographed, and in particular I found the writing to be refreshingly well done. The author captured the distinct elements of the built works and the narrative behind them very skillfully, and in my case, quite accurately. It's a great volume and I'm honored to be included in it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

Who Knew?Dec 6 2006

By
JR
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Hardcover

Great insight into the world of the log house. This will shatter your preconceived concept of what a log cabin is, and show you what it can be. Very educational and beautifully photographed. A great addition to anyone's book collection who is interested in log cabins, architecture, or history.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

I love this book!Sept. 28 2006

By
Glass Collector
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Hardcover

What a wonderful and beautiful treatment of the subject! I will never think of log houses in the same way again. The writing is engaging as well as educational. I love design as well as travel and this book took me around the globe. Bravo!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

An impressive account of log cabins...Sept. 15 2006

By
Berto Potossi
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Hardcover

This book is a wonderful representation of log cabins and anyone who is interested in log cabins, like me. It is impressive the details and descriptions of the log cabin, the history, and principles of building a log cabin and not to mention the stunning photos. I especially enjoyed the comparisons of the European and American log cabins; it certainly brings out the scope of what I thought was a simple building method. I had no idea, all the nuances that constitute a log cabin... Highly recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

The depth and coverage can't be beat.Feb. 7 2007

By
Midwest Book Review
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Hardcover

Radek Kurzaj's lovely color photos compliments the first chronological survey of log houses designed in Europe and the U.S. from 1890 to modern times, and covers a vast range of architectural designs and builder innovations in the process. Libraries strong in woodworking or homeowner's titles, especially general-interest public library collections, will find LOG HOUSES OF THE WORLD an eye-catching display title that fulfills its cover attraction and promise with equally compelling interior photos. But don't think it's just a picturebook coffee table addition: it's packed by Architectural Digest magazine editor Richard Olsen's commentary and history as well. The depth and coverage can't be beat.